Ben Walker
Department Director
Lot 239
1977 Triumph 750cc T140V 'Strongbow' Flat Tracker
Registration no. not registered Frame no. MD2 Engine no. T140V AP81386
19 October 2019, 14:00 BST
Stafford, Staffordshire County ShowgroundSold for £33,350 inc. premium
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1977 Triumph 750cc T140V 'Strongbow' Flat Tracker
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. MD2
Engine no. T140V AP81386
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. MD2
Engine no. T140V AP81386
• One of a batch of six or seven produced
• Built by Triumph for flat-track racing in the UK
• Inspired by the Trans-Atlantic Match Race road-racing series
• We are advised that the machine offered here has a works engine with high compression pistons and larger-than-standard carburettors
The machine offered here is one of a batch of six or seven (sources vary) T140V Bonnevilles built by Triumph for flat-track racing in the UK towards the end of 1977. Cider maker Bulmers was involved in sponsoring grass-track racing to promote its Strongbow brand, and commissioned Triumph to build these special Bonnevilles, the idea being to establish a 750cc class for solo machines. The transformation involved reverting to a right-side gearchange, standard up to 1975. Inspired by the Trans-Atlantic Match Race road-racing series, a special event was staged that pitted six British riders on the Triumphs against a 'Rest of the World' team that included Ole Olsen, Barry Briggs and Ivan Mauger. The British were represented by Chippy Moore, Malcolm Carradine, Barry Robinson, Rob Lidgate, Alec Lidgate and Paul Pinfold.
We are advised that the machine offered here has a works engine with high compression pistons and larger-than-standard carburettors. The frame has been modified to move the shock absorbers' lower pivot to the wheel spindle, and the headstock angle changed to give better steering. Most of the bikes, when they were returned to the factory, were gradually dismantled for parts. This machine is believed to be the only one surviving in original condition.
• Built by Triumph for flat-track racing in the UK
• Inspired by the Trans-Atlantic Match Race road-racing series
• We are advised that the machine offered here has a works engine with high compression pistons and larger-than-standard carburettors
The machine offered here is one of a batch of six or seven (sources vary) T140V Bonnevilles built by Triumph for flat-track racing in the UK towards the end of 1977. Cider maker Bulmers was involved in sponsoring grass-track racing to promote its Strongbow brand, and commissioned Triumph to build these special Bonnevilles, the idea being to establish a 750cc class for solo machines. The transformation involved reverting to a right-side gearchange, standard up to 1975. Inspired by the Trans-Atlantic Match Race road-racing series, a special event was staged that pitted six British riders on the Triumphs against a 'Rest of the World' team that included Ole Olsen, Barry Briggs and Ivan Mauger. The British were represented by Chippy Moore, Malcolm Carradine, Barry Robinson, Rob Lidgate, Alec Lidgate and Paul Pinfold.
We are advised that the machine offered here has a works engine with high compression pistons and larger-than-standard carburettors. The frame has been modified to move the shock absorbers' lower pivot to the wheel spindle, and the headstock angle changed to give better steering. Most of the bikes, when they were returned to the factory, were gradually dismantled for parts. This machine is believed to be the only one surviving in original condition.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.